OLED – Innovative graphics and future possibilities

1^st Kleinkes, M.¹, 2^nd Pohlmann, W. ¹ ,3^nd Ogonda, M. ²

¹ HELLA KGaA, Lippstadt, Germany,

Michael.Kleinkes@hella.com

Abstract

Due to its unique character as area light source, combined with completely new styling possibilities, the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is considered as future light source for several automotive applications like interior and signalling lamps. First cars using this innovative lighting technology are expected to appear on the road very soon. While revolutionizing the appearance of automotive lighting solutions they will generate a huge demand for new styling features. Thus, OLEDs on glass substrate with two-dimensional shapes will only be a transition phase for this technology. New OLED concepts with increased styling possibilities are necessary. Otherwise the use of OLED technology will be limited on a few flagship projects. This next technology step could be transparent OLEDs, multicolour emission or the use of flexible OLEDs. This contribution reports on the possibilities as well as the challenges of these concepts, presents new integration methods, and gives an outlook on the future of automotive lighting technology.